ASCDC Committees

ASCDC's committees provide our members with excellent educational and networking opportunities for their professional development. We are seeking enthusiastic leaders to join our committees. Joining a committee is a great way to engage with Southern California's defense bar and to enhance your career. As a committee member you will receive the most up to date legal information and you will meet the leading defense attorneys in California. You will collaborate with members with similar firm and client interests and you will have the opportunity to customize your committee membership as a leader, a participant, a writer, or a speaker.

If you are interested, please complete this form or contact the committee chairs to discuss your interests and how you can get more involved.

Below is a list of the committees you can join.

Amicus Committee

The Amicus Committee actively contributes to appellate advocacy by filing amicus briefs in cases that impact civil defense law and practice. Its work helps shape legal precedent and supports the broader defense community. For more information contact Committee Co-Chairs Steven Fleishman or Ted Xanders.

Bench Bar Committee

The Bench Bar Committee fosters dialogue and collaboration between the judiciary and defense counsel to improve civil litigation practices. It plays a key role in organizing joint events and discussions with judges and legal professionals. For more information contact Bench Bar Liaisons Jeffrey Walker (Inland Empire), Vicki Greco (Los Angeles), Jennifer Leeper (Orange County), Ben Howard (San Diego), or Seana Thomas (Ventura and Santa Barbara)

CACI Jury Instructions Committee

This committee reviews and proposes modifications to the California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) to ensure clarity and fairness in jury guidance. Its efforts help maintain the integrity and effectiveness of jury instructions in civil trials. For more information contact Committee Chair Patricia Daehnke or Vice Chair David Pruett.

Construction Law Committee

The Construction Law Committee organizes seminars—such as the annual Construction Seminar—to support defense counsel in construction-related disputes. It fosters best practices through education, including emerging issues like defect claims and contract disputes. For more information contact Committee Chair Brian Kahn.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

This committee advances equity within ASCDC and the broader legal community by developing D&I programming, advocacy, and mentorship initiatives. It collaborates with courts and other bar associations to promote a more inclusive legal profession. For more information contact Committee Chair Hannah Lee or Vice Chair Laura Hummasti.

Education Committee

The Education Committee curates and delivers a wide range of MCLE-approved programming—including webinars, seminars, and workshops—to help defense attorneys stay current with legal developments and refine their litigation skills. Its offerings range from in-person annual events like the Annual Seminar to frequent topical webinars on emerging issues. For more information contact Committee Chair Lindey Bradley.

Eldercare/Healthcare Law Committee

The Eldercare/Healthcare Law Committee focuses on legal issues pertaining to elder abuse, patient rights, and healthcare provider liability. It supports defense attorneys by facilitating education on relevant statutes, regulations, and best practices. For more information contact Committee Chair Colin Harrison.

Employment and Labor Law Committee

This committee addresses workplace-related defense matters, including wrongful termination, discrimination, wage claims, and labor disputes. It provides members with timely updates, CLE events, and resources to navigate California’s evolving employment laws. For more information contact Committee Chair Eric Schwettman.

General Liability Law Committee

The General Liability Committee serves defense counsel in civil liability cases involving premises, negligence, and catastrophic loss. It offers guidance on litigation strategy, risk management, and regulatory developments. For more information contact Committee Chair Juan Delgado or Vice Chair Tyler Ross.

Health and Wellness Committee

Charged with promoting attorney well-being, this committee organizes wellness-focused webinars and events—like stress management and work-life balance sessions. It aims to reduce burnout and foster healthier legal careers through peer support and outreach. For more information contact Committee Chair Cynthia Arce.

Lawyers' Professionalism and Ethics Committee

This committee focuses on legal ethics and professional standards, offering programs on topics such as conflicts of interest, malpractice avoidance, and courtroom decorum. It helps members uphold integrity and meet ethical obligations in their practice. For more information contact Committee Chair Marshall Cole.

Products Liability Law Committee

This committee supports defense attorneys handling product defect and strict liability cases, offering updates on causation, design standards, and emerging technology-related issues. It convenes expert panels and publishes guidance to keep members informed. For more information contact Committee Chair Bryan Martin or Vice Chair Hannah Lee.

Insurance Law Committee

The Insurance Law Committee focuses on matters such as coverage disputes, bad-faith claims, and regulatory compliance. It educates members on the latest legal developments and case law shaping the insurance landscape. For more information contact Committee Chair David Byassee or Vice Chair Arpineh Yeremian.

Medical Malpractice Law Committee

Specializing in defense of medical and healthcare providers, this committee provides updates on malpractice trends, immunity issues, and medical-legal strategy. It hosts seminars featuring expert witnesses and case studies. For more information contact Committee Chair Patrick Stockalper.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee leads outreach and engagement efforts to attract and retain attorneys and allied professionals—such as mediators, insurance employees, public entity lawyers, and young attorneys—to ASCDC, It develops recruitment strategies, promotes ASCDC’s diverse membership levels, and ensures new and renewing members fully benefit from opportunities like CLE events, committee involvement, and access to membership resources. For more information contact Membership Liaisons Ben Howard (San Diego), Patricia Daehnke (Los Angeles), Jeffrey Walker (Inland Empire), Tyler Ross (Orange County), Michael Lebow (Ventura).

Publications Committee

The Publications Committee oversees ASCDC’s flagship journal, Verdict Magazine, curating insightful articles, legal analysis, and member submissions that spotlight emerging trends and best practices in civil defense. It manages editorial standards, sets publication schedules, and promotes opportunities for members to contribute and advertise, ensuring the magazine remains a premier resource for defense counsel. For more information contact Committee Chair Lisa Perrochet or Vice Chair Cynthia Arce.

Public Entity Law Committee

This committee addresses liability and defense issues involving government agencies, public employees, and municipal compliance. It keeps members informed on government code changes, immunities, and public policy developments. For more information contact Committee Chair Heather Mills or Vice Chair David Ferrante-Alan.

Trucking Law Committee

Focused on litigation involving commercial vehicles, the Trucking Law Committee provides members with updates on FMCSA regulations, driver qualification issues, and accident reconstruction. It hosts targeted CLEs and develops defense best practices. For more information contact Committee Chair Heather Mills or Vice Chair Gina Stein.

Women in the Law Committee

The Women in the Law Committee champions professional development, leadership, and mentoring for women attorneys within ASCDC. It organizes events, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to support women in defense practice. For more information contact Committee Chair Lindy Bradley or Vice Chair Mary Fersch.

Young Lawyers Committee

Designed for defense attorneys in the first five years, this committee offers mentoring, skills-building, and networking opportunities. It hosts targeted programming—such as trial prep and ethics workshops—to support the next generation of defense counsel. For more information contact Committee Chair Vivian Rivera or Vice Chair Michael Faenza.